BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN
THE government has donated $19,200 to victims of the two collapsed Kampong Ayer houses and the Kampung Pancha Delima house fire.
The family of the house that burned down in Kampung Pancha Delima, received $9,200. Rahimah Taha represented the family during the donation handover ceremony yesterday.
The Kampung Pancha Delima house in Mukim Berakas A was destroyed in a fire on December 26. Meanwhile, the heads of the collapsed houses each received $5,000.
The two houses collapsed in Kampung Burung Pingai at the water village on December 28, 2013 and January 1, respectively.
[Related story: Another Kg Burong Pingai Ayer home collapses]
“We are deeply moved and thankful for the assistance that His Majesty’s government and [the Community Development Department] have given us,” Rozikustina Hj Tahwat, one of the victims of the collapsed house said.
“The $5,000 that was given will be openly and wisely discussed with members of my family on its use, but it will likely cover basic daily requirements notably food and water,” she added.
According to Assistant Officer at the Community Development Department Abdul Rahman Hj Ahmad, the financial assistance hoped to lessen their families’ burden.
Another victim of the collapsed house, Pg Julaihi Pg Hj Omar, said he had lived in the house for more than 22 years.
“It is difficult and feels insecure to wake up every morning, eating, sleeping, it does not feel the same because you do not own the place,” said the emotional 54-year-old.
“Sometimes when I look at my house (in the river), I just cannot help but shed tears (that we have lost our home),” he added.
Currently, Pg Julaihi is staying at his neighbour’s house in Kampung Burung Pinggai Ayer. Present to hand over the donations was the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Pekerma Laila Diraja Dato Seri Setia Hj Hazair Hj Abdullah.
The minister, along with his deputy, Datin Paduka Hjh Adina Othman and Permanent Secretary Hj Mohd Rozan Dato Paduka Hj Mohd Yunos sat down and lent their ears to the victims.
A representative from the Brunei-Muara District Office, Hj Ibrahim, said they are finding ways to assist the affected victims in locating affordable new houses.
The Brunei Times
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